Preservative · CAS 1948-33-0 · EU E319
TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 3 out of 5 (Mixed Evidence), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved.
The verdict
TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 3/5
- Mixed Evidence
- GRAS
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
Regulatory snapshot
TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone): composite 3/5 (Mixed Evidence) with FDA GRAS and EU Approved.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 1948-33-0 | CAS Registry |
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E319 | EU additive register |
| Category | Preservative | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 3 / 5 (Mixed Evidence) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)?
Synthetic antioxidant for oils and fats.
Health Concerns
- High doses cause nausea, vomiting. Some immune system concerns.
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)
Product-count (0) and safety-score (3/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 3/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) safe to consume?
TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) scores 3/5 (Mixed Evidence). FDA status is GRAS. The mixed-evidence band means federal approval and remaining open questions coexist, read the health-concern and state-action rows before treating the score as a green light.
What is TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) used for in food?
TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) is commonly used as: Cooking oils, crackers, frozen pizza, microwave popcorn. It belongs to the Preservative category of food additives.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)?
The FDA classifies TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) as "GRAS" while the EU status is "Approved" (E319). The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)?
Research has identified the following health concerns for TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone): High doses cause nausea, vomiting. Some immune system concerns.. These findings inform its safety score of 3/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.